초록 ▼

A method and apparatus to enhance or improve the sound localization properties of hearing aids determines the interaural level differences required for localizing sounds to a specific point of origin. These determined interaural level differences are then used in the adjusting and fitting of the hea

A method and apparatus to enhance or improve the sound localization properties of hearing aids determines the interaural level differences required for localizing sounds to a specific point of origin. These determined interaural level differences are then used in the adjusting and fitting of the hearing aids. A number of hearing tests at different frequencies with a sound source that apparently moves relative to the test subject are performed, and by adjusting the response of the hearing aid in the left ear relative to the right ear, for example by attenuating the left ear, the amount of attenuation or gain can be found that causes the test subject to perceive that the sound source is located at a specific point of origin. These determined interaural level differences are then used to design a new hearing aid or to modify the existing hearing aid.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] Apparatus for determining an interaural level difference present in a test subject wearing a bilateral hearing aid comprising:means for producing at least one tone centered on at least one predetermined frequency and individually audible by the test subject wearing the bi

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] Apparatus for determining an interaural level difference present in a test subject wearing a bilateral hearing aid comprising:means for producing at least one tone centered on at least one predetermined frequency and individually audible by the test subject wearing the bilateral hearing aid;a visual reference for use by the test subject in indicating an apparent source location of said means for producing said at least one tone;means for establishing a differential gain value between inputs to left and right transducers in said hearing aid for said at least one tone; andmeans for acquiring source location data for said at least tone that is test subject derived, wherein said location data is measured with respect to said visual reference, for each said at least one tone and each said differential gain value.